Overview of the nerve root injection procedure

Here’s what to expect during a lumbar nerve root injection procedure:

• You will lie face down, with a pillow underneath your abdomen.
• The injection area is cleaned and numbed before the injection.
• Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will determine the appropriate path for the needle.
• Your doctor will insert a thin needle to a point immediately behind the nerve root.
• Next, your doctor will inject a small amount of contrast dye to make sure that the medication will flow exactly where intended.
• Then, your physician will inject a small amount of anesthetic, steroid, or a combination of both, depending on the procedure’s purpose.
• During the injection, you may feel a sensation of pressure in the neck or arm. This typically disappears in a few moments.
• After the procedure, you’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes in the recovery area.